Handheld or Attachable Visor

ABSTRACT

A handheld or attachable visor comprises a bottom stand, an adjustable stand, a top shade, a lower shade. The bottom stand connects the handheld or attachable visor to different type of handles. The adjustable stand comprises an inner pole and an outer pole. The inner pole comprises a spring-loaded button which locks the outer pole upon the user&#39;s preference to adjust the height of the handheld or attachable visor. The top shade comprises a plurality of ribs, plurality of panels and plurality of couplings. The lower shade comprises a plurality of fastening means. The lower shade is attached to the top shade from the edges of the top shade. The lower shade can be detached from the top shade at any given moment. The lower shade also can be fold away and secured from the plurality of couplings and the plurality of fastening means.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/544,096 filed on Oct. 6, 2011.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for providing shade. More specifically, the present invention is a sun shade comprising lower portions suspended from the upper shade-providing portion, where the lower portions can be folded inside the upper shade-providing portion and secured with a fastening means and can be handheld.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Umbrella devices having an upper canopy portion and a handle can be used to provide the user with shade. However, sun radiation can still penetrate the user through the top and particularly the open sides, as umbrella devices only have an upper canopy portion. Traditional umbrellas fail to provide adequate protection against ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Since ultraviolet radiation causes skin cancer and many other health problems, having an umbrella with a maximum protection against the sun light will be useful. More importantly, it can be difficult to attempt to hold an umbrella in hand when the user is engaged in an activity which requires both hands, such as pushing a wheelchair or stroller. It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a multi-function, attached and detachable, rain shielding and sunshade device having a suspended button or button-less lower portion. This will partially block sun radiation affecting the user through the sides of the umbrella to provide shade and promote health, where the umbrella also comprises a base capable of snapping on to the handle portions of a wheelchair or stroller device to free the user's hands. However, the present invention can be handheld if needed. The present invention is able to promote health by providing the user additional shade from the harmful rays of the sun, while also shielding rain waters. The suspended lower portion can be altered into different shapes and can be designed into different themes and patterns so wider ranges of consumers are encouraged to use the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the umbrella with the flaps folded outward.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the umbrella with the flaps folded inward.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the umbrella showing the attachments pieces of the top shade and the bottom shade.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the handheld umbrella.

FIG. 5 is a side view of two handheld umbrellas with the front flap folded inward and rest of the flaps being folded outward.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a two adjustable poles in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the adjustable stand with a locking mechanism in the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the umbrella attached to a baby stroller.

FIG. 9 is a different perspective view of the umbrella attached to a baby stroller.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment attached to a wheelchair with the flaps folded outward and the telescopic/adjustable poles.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment attached to a wheelchair with the flaps folded inward and the telescopic/adjustable poles.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment attached to a wheelchair with the flaps folded outwards and the telescopic/adjustable poles.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment attached to a baby stroller with the flaps folded outwards.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment showing the visor rolled halfway.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment attached to a baby stroller in a rolled up position.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment attached to a baby stroller showing the structural arms underneath the awning.

FIG. 17 is a view of the system for the first embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a view of the system for the second embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a view of the system for the third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a view of the system for the flat retractable shade in the third embodiment.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is a sun shade apparatus comprising lower portions suspended from the upper shade-providing portion. The suspended lower portions may be folded inside the upper shade-providing portion, and secured with a fastening means. The upper shade-providing portion is connected to a stand and the present invention may also be handheld in the user's hand. The present invention is multi-functional, protecting and shielding the user from the natural elements and can be made from suitable materials with or without ultraviolet protection. Three embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter described, where one does not precede the other.

In reference to FIG. 1, the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a bottom stand 1, an adjustable stand 2, an upper shade 3, and a suspended lower shade 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom stand 1 comprises a horizontal pole 11 having a half-cylindrical shape with a hollow center and a vertical pole 12 having a hollow cylindrical shape. The vertical pole 12 is perpendicularly connected to the outside wall of the horizontal pole 11 from the center of the bottom stand 1. The hollow center portion faces downward and can be snapped onto the handles of a stroller or wheelchair, providing shade to the pusher. The horizontal pole 11 has a length wide enough to support the entire apparatus of the present invention. The bottom stand 1 is made from hard plastic or any kind of light weight metals that can withstand constant pressure due to the frequent removing and inserting of the bottom stand 1 with a given handle bar. In reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the present invention, the first embodiment can be adjusted either horizontally or vertically to fit different handles of strollers or any other devices.

In reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the adjustable stand 2 extends vertically from the curved convex surface of the horizontal pole 11 and connected to the vertical pole 12 in the bottom stand 1. The adjustable stand 2 is perpendicularly positioned with the horizontal pole 11. The adjustable stand 2 comprises two telescopic poles which are an inner pole 21 and an outer pole 22. The inner pole 21 comprises an opening 211, a spring 212, and a button 213. The button 213 comprises a wider diameter than the opening 211 on the inner pole 21 and the button 213 has a dome shape. The spring 212 is inserted into the opening 211 then the back side of the button 213 is connected to the spring 212. The front side of the button 213 is exposed out from the opening 211. Since the backside diameter of the button 213 is larger than the opening 211, the button 213 does not separate from the inner pole 21. The spring 212 is disposed upon the backing of the button 213 to keep the button 213 in a rest extended position. The outer pole 22 comprises a plurality of holes 221 which is spaced equally apart. To extend/retract the outer pole 22, the button 213 is pushed down allowing the outer pole 22 to slide up or down. When the button 213 is released at the desired aperture location, the button 213 extends to its rest extended position through one of the plurality of holes 221, thereby locking the outer pole 22 in place. Both inner pole 21 and the outer pole 22 are made from aluminum in order to minimize the weight and to provide the necessary strength.

The upper shade 3 horizontally extends from the top of the outer pole 22 but the upper shade 3 comprises a curvature. The upper shade 3 comprises a plurality of ribs 31, a plurality of panels 32, and a plurality of couplings 33. The plurality of panels 32 is connected to the plurality of ribs 31 from the top side. The plurality of ribs 31 and the plurality of panels 32 are formed into an umbrella or canopy for providing shade for its user. The plurality of couplings 33 is connected to the inside surface of the upper shade 3. The material used in the upper shade 3 can be any suitable material that may be focused on blocking sun rays and shielding rain waters. More so, the material may be UV shielding to protect the user from harmful UV rays.

The suspended lower shade 4 hangs from the edge of the upper shade 3 in order to provide additional shade. The suspended lower shade 4 further comprises a plurality of fastening means 41 which is positioned equally apart. The plurality of couplings 33 for the plurality of fastening means 41 is positioned on the interior of the upper shade 3. When the suspended lower portion is folded inside and tucked away, the plurality of fastening means 41 thereon can attach to the plurality of couplings 33 to be secured. The suspended lower shade 4 may be detached to increase portability. The material used in the suspended lower shade 4 can be any suitable material that may be primarily focused on blocking sun rays and at the same time shielding rain waters. More so, the material may be UV shielding to protect the user from harmful UV rays.

As shown in FIG. 4, the present invention, the first embodiment can be hand held also. In the handheld version of the first embodiment, the bottom stand 1 is not connected to the inner pole 21 from the bottom. The bottom end of the inner pole 21 is designed into a round smooth surface. Because of the smooth surface and the bottom stand 1 is not presented in the first embodiment, the handheld version will have a finished look. If the user of the first embodiment needs to attach the bottom stand 1, they can simply insert the bottom stand 1.

In reference to FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12, the present invention, the second embodiment can be adjusted either horizontally or vertically attach in a forward-facing manner to the handles of wheelchairs to provide a retractable sunshade device for the individual sitting in the chair. Alternatively, the second embodiment of the present invention may be attached in a rear-facing manner to the handles of a conventional stroller or wheelchair to provide the pusher with shade. The second embodiment of the present invention comprises: at least two bottom stands 1, at least two adjustable stands 2, an upper retractable shade 5, and a suspended lower shade 4. The at least two bottom stands 1 comprise at least two horizontal poles 11 having a half-cylindrical shape with a hollow center and at least two vertical poles 12 having a hollow cylindrical shape. The at least two vertical poles 12 are perpendicularly connected to the outside wall of the at least two horizontal poles 11 from the center of the at least two bottom stands 1. The hollow center portion faces downward and can snap onto the handles of a stroller or wheelchair for providing shade to the pusher. The at least two horizontal poles 11 have a length wide enough to support the entire apparatus of the present invention. The bottom stand 1 is made from hard plastic or light weight metals that can withstand a constant pressure due to the frequent removing and inserting of the bottom stand 1.

The at least two adjustable stands 2 extend vertically from the curved convex surface of the at least two horizontal poles 11 and connected to the at least two vertical poles 12 in the at least two bottom stands 1. The at least two adjustable stands 2 are perpendicular to the at least two horizontal poles 11. The at least two adjustable stands 2 comprise two telescopic poles from each adjustable stands 2 which are at least two inner poles 21 and at least two outer poles 22. The at least two inner poles 21 comprise at least two openings 211, at least two springs 212, and at least two buttons 213. The at least two buttons 213 comprise a wider diameters than the at least two openings 211 on the at least two inner poles 21 and the at least two buttons 213 have a dome shape. The at least two springs 212 are inserted into the at least two openings 211 and then the back sides of the at least two buttons 213 are connected to the at least two springs 212. The front side of the at least two buttons 213 are exposed out from the at least two openings 211. Since the backside diameters of the at least two buttons 213 are larger than the at least two openings 211, the at least two buttons 213 do not separate from the at least two inner poles 21. The at least two springs 212 are disposed upon the backing of the at least two buttons 213 to keep the at least two buttons 213 at an at-rest extended position. The at least two outer poles 22 comprise a plurality of holes 221 which are spaced equally apart. To extend/retract the at least two outer poles 22, the at least two buttons 213 are pushed down to allow the at least two outer poles 22 to slide up or down. When the at least two buttons 213 are released at the desired aperture location allow the at least two buttons 213 to extend to its at-rest position through one of the plurality of holes 221, thereby locking the at least two outer poles 22 in place. Because of the connection between the at least two inner poles 21 and the at least two outer poles 22, the length of the at least two adjustable poles can be changed according to the user's preference. At least two inner poles 21 and the at least two outer poles 22 are made from aluminum in order to keep the weight to the minimum and to keep the necessary strength.

The upper retractable shade 5 extends horizontally from the top of the at least two outer poles 22. The upper retractable shade 5 comprises a plurality of ribs 31, a plurality of panels 32, and a plurality of couplings 33. The plurality of panels 32 is connected to the plurality of ribs 31 from the top side. The plurality of ribs 31 comprises a curved shape and is capable of being folded in a fashion similar to the sunshade portion of a conventional pram stroller device. The plurality of panels 32 is stretched out over the plurality of ribs 31 to provide a shading means. The plurality of couplings 33 is connected to the inside surface of the upper retractable shade 5. The material used in the upper retractable shade 5 can be any suitable material that may be focused on blocking sun rays and shielding rain waters. More so, the material may be UV shielding to protect the user from harmful UV rays.

The suspended lower shade 4 hangs from the edge of the upper shade 3 in order to provide additional shade. The suspended lower shade 4 further comprises a plurality of fastening means 41 positioned equally apart. The plurality of couplings 33 for the plurality of fastening means 41 is positioned on the interior of the upper shade 3. When the suspended lower portion is folded inside and tucked away, the plurality of fastening means 41 thereon can attach to the plurality of coupling to be secured. The suspended lower shade 4 may be detached to increase portability. The material used in the suspended lower shade 4 can be any suitable material that may be primarily focused on blocking sun rays and at the same time shielding rain waters. More so, the material may be UV shielding to protect the user from harmful UV rays.

The present invention, the third embodiment can be adjusted either horizontally or vertically and can be attached in a back-facing manner to the handles of a baby stroller to provide a retractable sunshade device for the individual pushing the stroller. In reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the third embodiment of the present invention comprises: at least two bottom stands 1, at least two adjustable stands 2, a flat retractable shade 6, and a suspended lower shade 4. The at least two bottom stands 1 comprise at least two horizontal poles 11 having a half-cylindrical shape with a hollow center and at least two vertical poles 12 having a hollow cylindrical shape. The at least two vertical poles 12 are perpendicularly connected to the outside wall of the at least two horizontal poles 11 from the center of the at least two bottom stands 1. The hollow center portion faces downward and can snap onto the handles of a stroller or wheelchair for providing shade to the pusher. The at least two horizontal poles 11 have a length wide enough to support the entire apparatus of the present invention. The bottom stand 1 is made out hard plastic or light weight metals that can withstand a constant pressure due to the frequent removing and inserting of the bottom stand 1.

The at least two adjustable stands 2 extend vertically from the curved convex surface of the at least two horizontal poles 11 and connected to the at least two vertical poles 12 in the at least two bottom stands 1. The at least two adjustable stands 2 are perpendicular to the at least two horizontal poles 11. The at least two adjustable stands 2 comprise two telescopic poles from each which are at least two inner poles 21 and at least two outer poles 22. The at least two inner poles 21 comprise at least two openings 211, at least two springs 212, and at least two buttons 213. The at least two buttons 213 comprise a wider diameters than the at least two openings 211 on the at least two inner poles 21 and the at least two buttons 213 have a dome shape. The at least two springs 212 are inserted into the at least two openings 211 then the back sides of the at least two buttons 213 are connected to the at least two springs 212. The front side of the at least two buttons 213 are exposed out from the at least two openings 211. Since the backside diameters of the at least two buttons 213 are larger than the at least two openings 211, the at least two buttons 213 do not separate from the at least two inner poles 21. The at least two springs 212 are disposed upon the backing of the at least two buttons 213 to keep the at least two buttons 213 at an at-rest extended position. The at least two outer poles 22 comprise a plurality of holes 221 which are spaced equally apart. To extend/retract the at least two outer poles 22, the at least two buttons 213 are pushed down to allow the at least two outer poles 22 to slide up or down. When the at least two buttons 213 are released at the desired aperture location allow the at least two buttons 213 to extend to its at-rest position through one of the plurality of holes 221, thereby locking the at least two outer poles 22 in place. Because of the connection between the at least two inner poles 21 and the at least two outer poles 22, the length of the at least two adjustable poles can be changed according to the user's preference. At least two inner poles 21 and the at least two outer poles 22 are made from aluminum in order to keep the weight to the minimum and to keep the necessary strength.

In reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. 16, the flat retractable shade 6 extends horizontally from the top of the at least two outer poles 22. The flat retractable shade 6 comprises at least two structural arms 61, a flat panel 62, a roller 63, and a plurality of couplings 33. The roller 63 comprises a crank 631, a rolled panel compartment 632, and a folded arm compartment 633. The flat panel 62 is positioned on top of the at least two structural arms 61 and the flat panel 62 is connected to the roller 63 from one end. The structural arm portion can bend to extend and retract the flat panel 62 depending on the user's needs. When the crank 631 turns counter clock-wise, the roller also 63 turned counter clock-wise with the crank 631. Since the flat panel 62 is connected to the roller 63, the flat panel 62 and the at least two structural arms 61 will retract. After the flat panel 62 is retracted completely, the flat panel 62 stores inside the rolled panel compartment 632 and the at least two structural arms 61 store inside the folded arm compartment 633. The plurality of couplings 33 is connected to the inside surface of the flat retractable shade 6. The material used in the flat retractable shade 6 can be any suitable material that may be focused on blocking sun rays and shielding rain waters. More so, the material may be UV shielding to protect the user from harmful UV rays.

The suspended lower shade 4 hangs from the edge of the flat retractable shade 6 in order to provide additional shade. The suspended lower shade 4 further comprises a plurality of fastening means 41 positioned equally apart. The plurality of couplings 33 for the plurality of fastening means 41 is positioned on the interior of the flat shade. When the suspended lower portion is folded inside and tucked away, the plurality of fastening means 41 thereon can attach to the plurality of coupling to be secured. The suspended lower shade 4 may be detached to increase portability and allow the user to hold the invention in their hand. The material used in the suspended lower shade 4 can be any suitable material that may be primarily focused on blocking sun rays and at the same time shielding rain waters. More so, the material may be UV shielding to protect the user from harmful UV rays.

The suspended lower shade 4 can be buttoned or unbuttoned to the upper shade 3 depending on different conditions. In reference to FIG. 5, one side of the suspended lower shade 4 in the first embodiment can be buttoned; leaving the other side of the suspended lower shade 4 unbuttoned. For example, the above method can be implemented on hot sunny days, when the user of the present invention is having a conversation with another individual. The user is able to have a face to face conversation with another individual while still protecting him or herself from harmful UV rays. The suspended lower shade 4 of the present invention can also be designed with age and gender appropriate unique patterns. For example, the suspended lower shade 4 in the first embodiment can be designed with popular cartoon characters so kids are encouraged to use the present invention. Due to the fact children are using the present invention at their will; parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children are protected from harmful UV rays. Unique male and female appropriate designs will also encourage both genders to use the present invention. The suspended lower shade 4 can also be designed into time related events, such as holiday collection, US national pride, so different groups of people are encouraged to use the present invention. For example, the suspended lower shade 4 in all three embodiments can be designed with particular intentions, such as displaying cancer awareness messages, supporting armed forces messages, or displaying company advertisements. The shape of the suspended lower portion can be altered into different shapes depending on the demand.

It is important to note the variations the invention may take depending on the market or by choice of the manufacturer. Most notably, the present invention may be independently used or used as an attachment for a stroller, wheelchair, or any other suitable product where the user may desire shade from the sun or rain. Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A handheld or attachable visor comprises, a bottom stand; an adjustable stand; an upper shade; a suspended lower shade; the bottom stand comprises a horizontal pole and a vertical pole; the adjustable stand comprises an inner pole and an outer pole; the upper shade comprises a plurality of ribs, a plurality of panels, and a plurality of couplings; and the suspended lower shade comprises a plurality of fastening means.
 2. The handheld or attachable visor as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the horizontal pole being a hollow half-cylindrical shape; the vertical pole being a hollow cylindrical shape; the vertical pole being positioned above the horizontal pole; and the vertical pole being centrally connected to the horizontal pole.
 3. The handheld or attachable visor as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the inner pole comprises an opening, a spring, and a button; the spring and the button being centrally positioned inside the opening; the opening being a smaller diameter than the button; the opening containing the button and the spring inside; the outer pole comprises a plurality of holes; the inner pole being concentrically inserted into the outer pole from an end; and the inner pole being perpendicularly connected to the bottom stand from the opposite end.
 4. The handheld or attachable visor as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the outer pole being connected to the plurality ribs; the plurality of ribs being horizontally extended from the inner pole; the plurality of panels being positioned above the plurality of ribs; the plurality of panels being connected to the plurality of ribs; and the plurality of couplings being connected to the plurality of panels from inside.
 5. The handheld or attachable visor as claimed in claim 1 comprises, the plurality of fastening means being connected to the suspended lower shade from inside; and the suspended lower shade being attached to the upper shade.
 6. A handheld or attachable visor comprises, at least two bottom stands; at least two adjustable stands; an upper retractable shade; a suspended lower shade; the at least two bottom stands comprise at least two horizontal poles and at least two vertical poles; the at least two adjustable stands comprise at least two inner poles and at least two outer poles; the upper retractable shade comprises a plurality of ribs, a plurality of panels, and a plurality of couplings; and the suspended lower shade comprises a plurality of fastening means.
 7. The handheld or attachable visor as claimed in claim 6 comprises, the at least two horizontal poles being a hollow half-cylindrical shape; the at least two verticals pole being a hollow cylindrical shape; the at least two vertical pole being positioned perpendicularly to the at least two horizontal poles; and the at least two vertical poles being centrally connected to the at least two horizontal poles.
 8. The handheld or attachable visor as claimed in claim 6 comprises, the at least two inner poles comprise at least two openings, at least two springs, and at least two buttons; the at least two springs and the at least two buttons being centrally positioned inside the at least two openings; the at least two openings being a smaller diameter than the at least two buttons; the at least two openings containing the at least two buttons and the at least two springs inside; the at least two outer poles comprise a plurality of holes; the at least two inner poles being concentrically inserted into the at least two outer poles from an end; and the at least two inner poles being perpendicularly connected to the at least two bottom stands from the opposite end.
 9. The handheld or attachable visor as claimed in claim 6 comprises, the at least two outer poles being connected to the plurality ribs; the plurality of ribs being horizontally extended from the at least two inner poles; the plurality of panels being positioned above the plurality of ribs; the plurality of panels being connected to the plurality of ribs; and the plurality of couplings being connected to the plurality of panels from inside.
 10. The handheld or attachable visor as claimed in claim 6 comprises, the plurality of fastening means being connected to the suspended lower shade from inside; and the suspended lower shade being attached to the upper retractable shade.
 11. A handheld or attachable visor comprises, at least two bottom stands; at least two adjustable stands; a flat retractable shade; a suspended lower shade; the at least two bottom stands comprise at least two horizontal poles and at least two vertical poles; the at least two adjustable stands comprise at least two inner poles and at least two outer poles; the flat retractable shade comprises at least two structural arms, a panel, a roller, and a plurality of couplings; and the suspended lower shade comprises a plurality of fastening means.
 12. The handheld or attachable visor as claimed in claim 11 comprises, the at least two horizontal poles being a hollow half-cylindrical shape; the at least two verticals pole being a hollow cylindrical shape; the at least two vertical pole being positioned perpendicularly to the at least two horizontal poles; and the at least two vertical poles being centrally connected to the at least two horizontal poles.
 13. The handheld or attachable visor as claimed in claim 11 comprises, the at least two inner poles comprise at least two openings, at least two springs, and at least two buttons; the at least two springs and the at least two buttons being centrally positioned inside the at least two openings; the at least two openings being a smaller diameter than the at least two buttons; the at least two openings containing the at least two buttons and the at least two springs inside; the at least two outer poles comprise a plurality of holes; the at least two inner poles being concentrically inserted into the at least two outer poles from an end; and the at least two inner poles being perpendicularly connected to the at least two bottom stands from the opposite end.
 14. The handheld or attachable visor as claimed in claim 11 comprises, the at least two outer poles being connected to the at least two structural arms; the at least two structural arms being horizontally extended from the at least two inner poles; the panel being positioned above the at least two structural arms; the roller being connected to the at least two inner poles; the panel being connected to the roller; the roller comprises a crank, a rolled panel compartment, and a folded arm compartment; the crank being connected to the roller from an end; the rolled panel compartment and the folded arm compartment being positioned inside the roller; and the plurality of couplings being connected to the plurality of panels from inside.
 15. The handheld or attachable visor as claimed in claim 11 comprises, the plurality of fastening means being connected to the suspended lower shade from inside; and the suspended lower shade being attached to the flat retractable shade. 